Overview
A pilot operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) canceled her clearance and subsequently collided with trees and power lines before crashing approximately 0.4 nautical mile from the runway threshold. The accident occurred at an airport equipped with precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights. The pilot reported no mechanical or navigational malfunctions.
Flight Sequence
The pilot had received a weather briefing and was advised en route that destination airport weather was unavailable. After observing runway and approach lights, as well as buildings to the left of the runway, she canceled her IFR clearance. Noting that the aircraft was high, she began a descent. With the localizer frequency set, she observed that the aircraft was left of course. After checking the Loran unit to confirm distance, the aircraft struck trees and power lines, then impacted the ground.
Conditions
A sheriff deputy who arrived 15 minutes after the accident reported that it was "extremely foggy with low visibility." An uncommissioned automated surface observing system (ASOS) on the field recorded visibility of 1/4 mile with fog and a vertical visibility of 100 feet at 0453 and 0553 local time. At the time of the accident, no reported visibility was available at the airport.
Communications
The pilot did not establish two-way radio communications with any person on the ground at the airport. This was contrary to procedures specified in the operator's Operations Specifications.